Enviroment

The Ash Cleft is a seething landscape engulfed in flames and resentment. Its terrain is dominated by fiery seas, gorges bubbling with magma, and charred forests. The land features dry, cracked hills that support little life. The largest settlements, often centered around a church, monopolize the scarce water and fertile land. It is said that the gods never completed the Ash Cleft, and its blazing nature stems from this unfinished state. Overall, the region lacks anything uplifting, with a deficiency in quality timber, stone, arable land, water, peace, stability, and likely happiness. Among the inhabitants of the Ash Cleft, the most devout individuals from across the realms reside here. The dominant governing body is a vast theocracy known as The Divine Church of the Ash Cleft, which underscores the community's commitment to faith. One positive aspect of the Ash Cleft is its abundant raw metal and the heat necessary to smelt it. Perhaps this is a hidden blessing from the forgetful gods.

People

The Ash Cleft is the ancestral home of the Dregs and the Tieflings, two races that have been in a struggle for a long time. The Dregs have faced centuries of enslavement by the Tieflings. Despite their circumstances, the inhabitants of The Ash Cleft are more resilient than they might initially seem, a trait shaped by the inhospitable conditions of their realm. Tieflings are typically zealous, modest, eloquent, and adept at navigation. Their culture places a strong emphasis on piety, education, familial ties, and charity. In contrast, Dregs are often jaded and cynical yet hopeful. They are well-skilled in various trades and labor. While some of these traits may seem contradictory, the Dreg experience is unique and filled with sorrow, making it difficult for other races to fully understand what it means to be Dreg. Dreg culture emphasizes community, optimism, resistance, and an incredibly significant focus on individuality. Within The Ash Cleft, the Dregs hold very little power, particularly outside the Shadewall region. While Dregs provide the labor, it is the Tieflings who design the architecture of The Ash Cleft. This architecture is Gothic in style, featuring large arches, stained glass windows that filter light, and flying buttresses. Smaller buildings may lack some of these ornate features, but larger structures, such as cathedrals and palaces, are incredibly detailed. The buildings are constructed from stone, ash bricks, or metal, all of which are readily available in The Ash Cleft. The predominant colors used in this architecture are white and black, creating a striking contrast in the otherwise dull cities.

Tieflings

Lifespan: 130-170 years, reaching maturity at 30

Average Height: 5'4" - 6'2"

Average Weight: 170 lbs - 240 lbs

Devout worshipers, fanatical and modest.

Dregs

Lifespan: ???, reaching maturity at 20

Average Height: 5'3" - 5'10"

Average Weight: 150 lbs - 190 lbs

Tragic surviors, tired and cynical.

Government

The politics of The Ash Cleft are primarily dominated by the Divine Church of The Ash Cleft, which is undoubtedly the most powerful political entity in the realm. The other governments within The Ash Cleft are often in conflict with one another, as well as with the Divine Church, each seeking to impose their own will upon the harsh, molten landscape.